Sizing Guide
What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Answer two questions - how much junk and how heavy - and this guide matches you to the right roll-off dumpster in Cincinnati, OH.
The 60-Second Method
Match Your Project to a Size
Find your project type below - the size listed is the usual starting point. It's rarely wrong, and our team double-checks it free by phone.
- 10 Yard - garage, attic or single-room cleanout
- 15 Yard - kitchen remodel, flooring, small roof
- 20 Yard - whole-home cleanout, full roof, reno
- 30 Yard - new build, addition, big yard clear
- 40 Yard - demolition, commercial, tear-downs
Estimate in Truckloads
Think in Pickup Truck Loads
The easiest way to size a dumpster: imagine loading the debris into a standard pickup truck. One truckload is roughly one cubic yard.
- 10 Yard
- Holds ~5 pickup loads - about 50-60 contractor bags
- 15 Yard
- Holds ~7-8 pickup loads - about 75-90 contractor bags
- 20 Yard
- Holds ~10 pickup loads - about 100-120 contractor bags
- 30 Yard
- Holds ~14 pickup loads - a full truckload plus a dump truck
- 40 Yard
- Holds ~18 pickup loads - our largest container
Don't Forget
Size Isn't Everything
Volume matters, but two other factors decide your bin:
- Weight: shingles, concrete and dirt can outweigh the same space of household junk - heavy jobs sometimes need a bigger bin for weight headroom
- Space: each size needs its own footprint plus about 8 feet of truck clearance - a 10 yard fits nearly any driveway, a 40 yard needs a real pad or lot
- Duration: one-time cleanouts use a smaller bin over a few days; steady weekly debris may favor a schedule of mid-size swaps
Still unsure? Call (513) 788-8715 and describe the job - we'll give you a confident recommendation in under a minute.
Sizing FAQ
Common Sizing Questions
What dumpster size do I need for a home cleanout?
One or two rooms of junk fits a 10 yard. A whole-house cleanout with furniture usually needs a 15 or 20 yard. When unsure, count the pickup-truck loads and call (513) 788-8715.
What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off?
Most single-family roofs need a 15 or 20 yard dumpster. Larger or multi-layer roofs step up to a 30 yard. Because shingles are heavy, we plan extra weight allowance for every roofing job.
What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
A 10 or 15 yard handles most kitchen and bathroom remodels - cabinets, counters, tile and flooring. Gutting to the studs or renovating multiple rooms? Step up to a 20 yard.
What size dumpster do I need for construction or demolition?
New builds and additions usually use a 30 yard, while structural demolition and commercial projects typically need the 40 yard. Call us with the job scope and we'll recommend confidently.
What if I choose too small or too big?
No sweat either way. Too small? We swap in a bigger bin when it fills. Too big? We'll swap down and adjust the price fairly. Most jobs get the size right on the first call thanks to our free sizing help.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you fast with an upfront, flat-rate price. No hidden fees, no obligation.
- (513) 788-8715
- 1920 Charlotte St, Cincinnati, OH 45214
- Same-day delivery across Greater Cincinnati